2014 Yamaha Viking 700 Preview

Get ATV.com in your Inbox

Like ATV.com on Facebook

The Rhino's replacement is finally here

It was just a few weeks ago that we had speculated about Yamaha’s growth and where they may be heading in the industry. The industry rumor mill was even silent for years as engineers planned the next generation of Utility Side-by-Sides from the Newnan, Ga. manufacturer. Well, the wait is over as the 2014 model year will bring forth a brand new workhorse from Yamaha – the 2014 Yamaha Viking 700.

While many in the industry were clamoring for Yamaha to build the next great pure sport SxS (ATV.com included), producing a work-oriented vehicle likely makes the most fiscal sense. While the desert-eating, long-travel machines get most of the press, working vehicles are being bought in far greater numbers than the sport-specific models pumping out hoards of horsepower – even Polaris sells more Rangers than RZRs.

Yamaha noticed this and played the smart card and decided to build a machine that is a combination of hard worker with a slice of play. We had a chance to get a firsthand look at the new Viking in person and we can tell you it is the real deal. Here are a few things we can scrub over to keep you frothing at the mouth until we get one to drive for ourselves for that full test ride!

Sitting inside the cab of the new Viking you will immediately feel right at home. The three-passenger seating allows workers to get one more man or woman on the move around the ranch. Seating is crucial in transporting people and with the new Viking provisions have been made for comfort. This may not really catch your attention right off the bat, but once you look at how the seats are situated you will see the engineers’ intentions. The center passenger seat is set back rearward to give this rider, as well as the other two, more shoulder room.

Yamaha moved the middle seat slightly rearward to give everybody a little more elbow room.

The driver’s seat is adjustable and with a walk through design you can step out of either side comfortable and without hanging your feet on a center console. The new passenger handholds also give the riders a little more confidence when combined with the three-point seat belts. To provide a little extra support and protection there are shoulder bolsters for the driver and right seat passenger.

Engine

Yamaha outfitted the all-new 2014 Viking with its electronically fuel injected, 686cc, liquid cooled, single overhead cam engine. This four-valve four-stroke mill has plenty of usable power to get the Viking moving.

The familiar 686cc Single powers the Viking 700, which is outfitted with a new clean-burning air injection system.

Engine braking comes on all wheels in 4WD to assist in slowing the Viking once the gas pedal is released. Yamaha has built a large capacity air intake system to keep the big machine breathing easily. There is also a unique twist to the new engine as the minds at Yamaha have developed a new air injection system that burns un-combusted vapors in the exhaust, which will reduce emissions even more. Yamaha took the engine and moved it backward under the dump bed. This makes the engine easy to service and should help keep the noise down in the cab.

Transmission

Yamaha’s impressive Ultramatic transmission is found in the new Viking 700.

Yamaha has long been known for its ultra reliable and great performing Ultramatic transmission, so it was no surprise that it will be included in the new Viking. With a dual range of Hi and Low as well as Reverse, getting the machine moving has never been easier. Utilizing an automatic centrifugal clutch to maintain constant belt tension, belt wear should be reduced and the throttle should feel smooth. This Viking comes with three selections for the driveline including 2WD, 4WD and 4WD differential lock for those really tough situations.

Suspension

Sporting 11.8 inches of ground clearance, most trail debris will roll right under the Viking 700.

With 11.8 inches of ground clearance, the Yamaha Viking should be able to get up and over most trail debris. The 8.1-inches of travel will also add to the comfort for the occupants, utilizing the independent suspension on all four wheels. It remains to be seen just how comfortable this machine can be, but we’re hoping to find out soon.

More Features

Shoulder bolsters provide more protection for the rider and right passenger.

Getting the big Viking moving will not be difficult and stopping is not an issue either as the large disc brakes on the front and rear of the machine handle all of that. As well, a dash-mounted parking brake will keep the Viking in its place until you get back behind the wheel. Even with a haul of up to 600 pounds in the steel bed, you can expect to feel confident and in control. You can release/dump the rear bed from either side of the machine, which is a handy feature for any worksite. If you need to tow with the Viking, the low-end grunt of the 686cc four stroke can pull up to 1500 pounds from the two-inch receiver-style hitch. This should make working the fields much easier.

Power steering will be available on select models of the Yamaha Viking, which is available in Hunter Green, Red, Steel Blue and RealTree AP HD Camouflage. The base Yamaha Viking in Steel Blue retails for $11,499, the Red and Hunter Green versions come with a suntop and sell for $11,699, the while the Camo model also comes with a suntop and sells for $12,249. Electronic power steering is available on each of these models for an additional $1000 ($12,499 to $13,249).

Yamaha has developed a new breed of work vehicle for its stable and we can see this machine running around trailheads, ranch roads or pastures in the coming years.

Ready to be outfitted with a host of Yamaha accessories, the 2014 Viking 700 is set to replace the Rhino.

To make room for the new Viking, Yamaha will say good-bye to the much-loved Rhino. Yamaha will still support its most well known four-wheeler, but the Rhino will not be produced anymore.

We use cookies to improve your experience on this website and so that ads you see online can be tailored to your online browsing interests.
We use data about you for a number of purposes explained in the links below. By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of data and cookies.
Tell me more |
Cookie Preferences